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Hardware Engineer - Project Lead Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Hardware Engineer - Project Lead make in District of Columbia?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Hardware Engineer - Project Lead in District of Columbia is $153,690 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $74.

However, a Hardware Engineer - Project Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $168,783
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $144,190 to $161,590
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $135,541
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View as table View as graph 25% $144,190 10% $135,541 90% $168,783 75% $161,590 $153,690 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Hardware Engineer - Project Lead Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $161,590 $13,466 $3,108 $78
Average $153,690 $12,808 $2,956 $74
25th Percentile $144,190 $12,016 $2,773 $69
Check out Hardware Engineer - Project Lead Job Openings in District of Columbia
Project Manager

Volarify - Washington, DC

Project Engineer

PL ASSOCIATES INC. (PLA) - Washington, DC

Project Engineer

American Contracting & Environmental Services Incorporated - Washington, DC

Project Engineer

Smoot Construction Compan - Washington, DC

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Key Factors That Influence Hardware Engineer - Project Lead Salaries

A Hardware Engineer - Project Lead's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Hardware Engineer - Project Lead Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Hardware Engineer - Project Lead's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Hardware Design Engineer II (2-4 years): $109,123
  • Hardware Design Engineer III (4-7 years): $126,531
  • Hardware Engineer - Project Lead (7+ years): $153,676
  • Hardware Design Engineer V (7-10 years): $181,407
  • Hardware Development Engineer VI (10-12 years): $216,803
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Hardware Design Engineer II2-4 years$109,123
Hardware Design Engineer III4-7 years$126,531
Hardware Engineer - Project Lead7+ years$153,676
Hardware Design Engineer V7-10 years$181,407
Hardware Development Engineer VI10-12 years$216,803
$109,123 Hardware ...
$126,531 Hardware ...
$153,676 Hardware ...
$181,407 Hardware ...
$216,803 Hardware ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Hardware Engineer - Project Leads

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Parcel Return Service: $152,890
  • Washington: $152,890
  • Naval Anacost Annex: $152,890

Hardware Engineer - Project Lead Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Hardware Engineer - Project Lead salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $172,047. While startup companies pay approximate $145,548.

Hardware Engineer - Project Lead Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$145,548
Growth Stage51~500$153,934
Established501~5000$166,142
Enterprise5000+$172,047

Hardware Engineer - Project Lead Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Hardware Engineer - Project Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 42% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 18% above the average. In contrast, Hardware Engineer - Project Lead positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Hardware Engineer - Project Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Hardware Engineer - Project Lead

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$181,354$87.018%
Financial Services$181,354$87.018%
Pharmaceuticals$181,354$87.018%
Software & Networking$181,354$87.018%
Internet$175,207$84.014%

Hardware Engineer - Project Lead Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Hardware Engineer - Project Lead's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$144,190
Average $153,690/year
$161,590
$12,016
Average $12,808/month
$13,466
$2,773
Average $2,956/week
$3,108
$69
Average $74/hour
$78
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $161,590 $13,466 $3,108 $78
Average $153,690 $12,808 $2,956 $74
25th Percentile $144,190 $12,016 $2,773 $69

Hardware Engineer - Project Lead Salary Growth & Career Path

Hardware Engineer - Project Lead
Hardware Design Engineer V
Hardware Design Engineering Director

For a Hardware Engineer - Project Lead, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Hardware Design Engineer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $181,500 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.

Salaries of jobs related to Hardware Engineer - Project Lead

Find Your Next Hardware Engineer - Project Lead Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Hardware Engineer - Project Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States

  • Johnson Controls

    Washington, DC

    Assistant Project Manager Project Engineer

    Johnson Controls | Washington, DC

    We are seeking an Assistant Project Manager / Project Engineer for our federal team. This role is primarily responsible for managing a portfolio of electro... more

    7 Days Ago

  • W.T. Weaver & Sons

    Washington, DC

    Showroom Sales& Project Specialist

    W.T. Weaver & Sons | Washington, DC

    Job Description. Job Description. Showroom Sales & Project Specialist – Decorative Plumbing & Hardware. Georgetown, Washington, D.C. . W.T. Weaver & Sons i... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Harrison Consulting Solutions

    Washington, DC

    Construction Services Project Engineer

    Harrison Consulting Solutions | Washington, DC

    Job Description. Job Description. A growing and innovative engineering firm is looking to add a Construction Services Project Engineer for their Washington... more

    5 Days Ago

  • Delon Hampton & Associates, Chartered

    Washington, DC

    Water Wastewater Project Engineer

    Delon Hampton & Associates, Chartered | Washington, DC

    Job Description. Job Description. Delon Hampton & Associates, Chartered (DHA) is seeking a Water/Wastewater Project Manager to work on the Potomac Intercep... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Shrewsberry & Associates LLC

    Washington, DC

    Project Engineer

    Shrewsberry & Associates LLC | Washington, DC

    Job Description. Job Description. Description. Position Summary. We are currently seeking an Office Engineer to support Civil engineering solutions to Shre... more

    9 Days Ago

  • Delon Hampton & Associates, Chartered

    Washington, DC

    Civil Engineer

    Delon Hampton & Associates, Chartered | Washington, DC

    Job Description. Job Description. Civil Engineer - Project Manager. Delon Hampton & Associates, Chartered a minority-owned, professional consulting enginee... more

    9 Days Ago

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Cost of Living In District of Columbia

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